Fewer miles to go in beating heart disease

Thank you, Metro Chicago, for walking 60,000 miles and raising $3 million for the American Heart Association during the 5.3K Metro Chicago Start! Heart Walks!

I walked in honor of my father and my grandson. My father died from heart disease when I was just 4 years old, and my grandson was born with a heart defect that required surgery when he was just 5. When my father died there was not a procedure that would save his life, but because of the work that the American Heart Association has supported, my grandson will live a normal life. I am so thankful for that.

On behalf of Fifth Third Bank, the proud title sponsor of this year's walks and the fantastic walkers from the "Heart Attackers" team, thank you for all that you've done to support the American Heart Association. You are saving lives with every step you take and each dollar that you donate.

Diane McCracken

Fifth Third Bank

St. Charles